Lorain annual FireFish Festival showcases mixed art, entertainment and plenty of fun

Lorain’s FireFish Festival kicked off Sept. 21 by lining Broadway Avenue with a multitude of vendors selling everything from arts, crafts, jewelry and more.

The festival is in its 10th year in downtown Lorain, save for one year it wasn’t held due to the global pandemic, according to the Festival founder and artistic director Joan Perch.

“It’s great. We have a lot more vendors and performers this year,” said Ben Maniaci, one of the event organizers who was busy helping vendors with various issues as the festival began at 2 p.m.

Allena and Quintera Newson, two sisters from Lorain, were excited to see the many vendors as they entered the festival.

“It’s very fun,” they both said.

The two attended the event last year but didn’t get to watch the iconic burning of the fish, made of art material well ahead of the festival, as part of the evening festivities.

“I’m going to video it and post it,” said Allena Newson with excitement as the two planned their afternoon and evening.

This year, the burning of the fish was conducted using natural gas, said Maniaci.

“We’re no longer using wood to burn. This method is more environmentally friendly,” he explained. “It’s definitely changing with the times.”

The natural gas will help cut back on pollutants in the air, he added.

Megan Wright and her 6-year-old son Ferris Wright were also excited as the festival began.

Wright was manning a booth for the community art group which provides youngsters an outlet to learn and practice art on the weekends.

“We’re just a small group who gives kids something to do on the weekends,” Wright said. “I think it’s a good event. It brings a lot of people out and gets us a lot of exposure.”

The Modern Day Pirates, who also have a booth at the festival annually for approximately the last three years, were also on hand dressed as pirates.

“We sell all pirate-theme merchandise,” said Keelhaul Crowley who was joined by several other men dressed as pirates.

“We come down here to support the festival,” said Crowley. “And, we just hang out and have fun.”

The ‘pirates’ sell everything from pirate clothing, jewelry, replica weaponry and more, most of which is hand made by Crowley.

“I’ve just always liked pirates since I was a kid,” Crowley added.

The evening wrapped up with a parade, live music, various presentations and the iconic burning of the fish.